What is Kangaroo Care? Paediatrician explains how it may support lactating new moms

New Delhi: Kangaroo Care, also known as skin-to-skin contact, is a powerful technique that helps premature and full-term babies grow healthier, feel safer, and bond better with their parents. Moreover, Kangaroo care is crucial for breastfeeding success and helps establish a stronger bond with the baby. It supports breastfeeding and milk production. This article guides the new mothers regarding Kangaroo Care. Follow the pivotal steps and initiate Kangaroo Care immediately for the baby.

Dr. Anusha Rao, Consultant Neonatologist & Paediatrician, Ankura Hospital, for Women and Children, Aundh, Pune, said, "Kangaroo Care is a special way of caring for newborn babies, especially those who are born prematurely or have low birth weight. This is done by holding the skin-to-skin against the parent’s chest. Named after how kangaroos carry their babies in a pouch, this technique helps the baby stay warm, breathe better, tend to gain weight, and feel comfortable. It is now practiced nationwide and recommended by doctors as an essential part of early newborn care. Kangaroo Care also plays a pivotal role in boosting breastfeeding. This guide will help new mothers understand how to do Kangaroo Care step-by-step. So, it is the need of the hour to consult the doctor, who will explain to you regarding Kangaroo Care."

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Dr Rao explained what happens during Kangaroo Care. Kangaroo Care means placing your baby in an upright position, directly on your bare chest, with only a diaper and a cap on the baby. The baby is then covered with a warm blanket. This skin-to-skin contact helps your baby adjust to life outside the womb. Newborns, especially those born early, struggle with a plethora of health problems, including temperature control, breathing, and feeding. Kangaroo Care offers them warmth, comfort, and a sense of security.

Kangaroo Care helps to bond with the baby, boosts breast milk production, and reduces stress for both the baby and the parent. Understand that Kangaroo Care helps increase breast milk production by stimulating hormones like oxytocin and prolactin through skin-to-skin contact. It also makes breastfeeding easier, as babies held this way often latch better and feed more effectively. Kangaroo mother care promotes early initiation of breastfeeding when compared to the conventional care method. So, Kangaroo Care is of utmost importance for the babies.

Other benefits of Kangaroo Care:

Step-by-Step guide for mothers:

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Relax, talk softly to your baby as your voice helps soothe them. So, remember, by practicing Kangaroo Care daily, you give newborns the warmth, love, and strength they need to thrive.